Collin Morikawa Ends Title Drought with Dramatic Pebble Beach Pro-Am Victory
In a wild final round marked by fierce winds and constant lead changes, Collin Morikawa held off a bold charge from Scottie Scheffler to claim victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, ending a 16-month title drought on the PGA Tour. Morikawa sealed the win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole after a nerve-wracking 20-minute delay, finishing with a 5-under 67 for a one-shot triumph over Sepp Straka and Min Woo Lee.
Morikawa's Poise Under Pressure
Morikawa, who had gone 45 starts without a win since the Zozo Championship in October 2023, demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the final day. After hitting his tee shot on the par-5 18th, he faced an agonising wait as Jacob Bridgeman's group ahead dealt with a ball lost to the ocean. "I paced all the way to the ocean 10 times. I just had to keep moving," Morikawa recounted. "These long breaks, they're not good for anyone to stand still. I was able to pull off a great 4-iron, and man, I need a drink." His 4-iron approach landed on the collar of the green, setting up a tap-in birdie after Straka had made an eagle putt.
Scheffler's Valiant Charge Falls Short
Scottie Scheffler mounted an impressive comeback, starting the final round eight shots behind and firing a 7-under through the first seven holes. He carded a round of 63, featuring three eagles, including a stunning 6-iron to 30 inches on the 18th that briefly tied him for the lead. However, Morikawa responded with birdies on the 15th and 16th holes to regain control. Scheffler's aggressive play ultimately left him in a tie for fourth with Tommy Fleetwood, extending his streak to 18 consecutive top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour. "I had to do something special to give myself a chance," Scheffler said. "It was a fun day overall. These are the weeks I'm proud of."
Key Moments and Tournament Dynamics
The final round saw six players share the lead at various points, with Akshay Bhatia, the 54-hole leader by two shots, fading after making only two birdies over his last 29 holes. Morikawa's charge began with a 62 on Saturday, positioning him within striking distance. On Sunday, his birdie on the 15th from 30 feet proved crucial, followed by another on the 16th. A bogey on the 17th, where his tee shot nearly found the ocean, created a tie with Lee, but Morikawa's steady play on the 18th secured the win.
Significance of the Victory
This victory marks Morikawa's seventh PGA Tour win since turning professional in 2019, and it propels him back into the top 10 of the world rankings. The timing was particularly poignant, as Morikawa revealed he and his wife are expecting their first child, calling the win "the best way to announce it to the world." The Cal alum's triumph at Pebble Beach, a venue steeped in golf history, underscores his resilience and skill under pressure, setting a positive tone for his season ahead.
